Arlington teacher repeatedly assaulted victim, report says

A woman told police she was sexually assaulted repeatedly by an Upper Arlington High School art teacher and boys' swim-team coach when she was a student at the school in the late 1990s.

Kevin M. Chapman, 51, of 4885 Sharon Hill Dr., is charged with two counts of rape and one count of sexual battery. The complaints filed in Franklin County Municipal Court allege that the assaults occurred at the high school in 1996 when the woman was 15.

But a police report read in court today during Chapman's initial appearance included allegations of more assaults.

“The sexual assaults initially occurred when the victim was 15 years old and continued until she graduated.”

When she turned 16, Chapman began to engage in intercourse with her repeatedly, up to three times a week, according to the police report.

Chapman posted a $25,000 bond shortly after his hearing today and was released from the county jail. The judge ordered Chapman to stay away from the woman, now 28.

Chapman's attorney, Samuel B. Weiner, questioned why it took so long for the allegations to surface.

“I have some concerns with this recall,” Weiner said after the hearing. “I don't know exactly what all of a sudden brought it to mind.”

If Chapman is indicted, he will plead not guilty “until we know all the facts of this issue,” Weiner said.

Weiner said he had not had time to talk extensively with Chapman, who has no criminal record.

Weiner told Tyack that Chapman is married and has lived in Franklin County about 30 years. He was a swimmer at Ohio State University and has been a swim coach and arts teacher for 28 years at Upper Arlington High and in Grove City schools, Weiner said.